"Prepared of such kind of a situation with Gautam Gambhir"- Riyan Parag reveals tactical masterclass

Talented India allrounder Riyan Parag opened up on his brilliant bowling performance in the first T20I against Sri Lanka played at Pallekele. Known for his talent with the bat, Parag produced stunning bowling figures of 3-5 in 1.2 overs and landed a killer blow on Sri Lanka.

With the bat, Riyan Parag came in to bat at No. 6 with India searching for quick runs. But the youngster was dismissed by a searing yorker by Matheesha Pathirana for just 7 off 6 balls. Despite not having a great day with the bat, he ensured to perform with the ball and picked up three wickets at the death.

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Riyan Parag reveals his game plan

After the match, Parag was asked about his game plan and his surprising bowling performance. The youngster revealed that he constantly practices bowling in the nets and was always prepared for bowling in such situations.

"I love bowling. I bowl as much behind the scenes. I think there was communication in the nets about where to bowl and how to bowl. We prepared for such kind of a stage (situation) with Gautam (Gambhir) sir that if get to bowl in the 16th or 17th over, which lines and lengths we need to bowl," Parag said in a video posted by BCCI on X (formerly Twitter).

"The boys made it easy for me. I just had to bowl stump-to-stump because the ball was turning as well," the 22-year-old allrounder added.

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Meanwhile, India captain Suryakumar Yadav was also impressed with Riyan Parag's bowling performance and called him an 'X-factor' of the team.

"I have seen Riyan (Parag) bowling in the IPL before and in the nets as well. I said at the PC (press conference) as well that he has that X-factor. If the batsmen keep bowling like this, my job will be much easier (smiles)," Suryakumar Yadav said.

Riyan Parag creates an immediate impact with the ball

With 56 needed off the last 4 overs, India captain Suryakumar Yadav tossed the ball up to Riyan Parag. A wicket fell in the next ball but it did not go in Parag's kitty as Dasun Shanaka was run out without facing a ball.

After two balls, Parag got his first wicket as he removed the dangerous Kamindu Mendis for 12 off 8 balls. It was a perfect ball from the offspinner bowled at a perfect speed on this pitch.

The 22-year-old then got the ball in his hand in the last over of the match. Parag didn't waste any time and finished off the game in the first two balls as he picked up the remaining two wickets. The youngster bowled stump-to-stump lines and shattered the stumps of Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka.

Riyan Parag's bowling performance was a huge positive for India. India have struggled to find a batter who can bowl some crucial overs for a long time now. Parag's bowling performance will certainly give confidence to the team management who were desperately looking for this skillset.